Following the success of its last edition in Madrid, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels and Casa Asia have joined hands again this year to bring some of the latest Hong Kong films to the Madrid public.  In addition to the latest productions, there will be a retrospective cycle of five movies by Ann Hui, one of the most acclaimed directors of the Hong Kong New Wave cinema.

Speaking at the opening reception on 16 March, Hong Kong's Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Communities, Miss Mary Chow,  thanked Casa Asia for its continued interest in promoting Hong Kong films and for its support in bringing Hong Kong films to a Spanish audience.

"Our entertainment industry has always been a great source of pride and pleasure for Hong Kong.  In the last three years alone, Hong Kong films have picked up more than 100 awards at international film festivals and competitions worldwide.  In both 2006 and 2007, 9  out of the 10 biggest box office hits in the Mainland were co-productions with Hong Kong partners," she said.

"In 2007, Hong Kong was chosen as a location for shooting four international films, including the new Batman movie, “The Dark Knight”, which features breathtaking scenes set against our stunning skyline.

"Hong Kong is the only city in Asia to have mastered the latest stereoscopic imaging technology, the most advanced filmmaking technology used in Hollywood.  The Hong Kong company [Centro Digital Pictures] that provided special digital effects for international box office hits like Kung Fu Hustle, Shaolin Soccer and Kill Bill will launch the first Hong Kong-made three-dimensional film by the end of the year.  This new generation of 3D movies will be light years ahead of the old-style 3D films, which require the viewer to put on special coloured spectacles.  Their effects will provide an unforgettable, life-like experience, with vibrant colour and crisper pictures, thanks to digital technology.

"To further promote and support Hong Kong’s entertainment sector in a vibrant and competitive environment, the Government has been taking various measures such as the setting up in 2007 of the Film Development Council to advise the government on policy and strategy for the promotion and development of the film industry and on the use of public funds to support the industry.  We injected about 30 million Euro into the Film Development Fund to help finance small to medium productions.  Last year the Chief Executive announced the establishment of a special office to support and develop creative industries in Hong Kong including the film industry.  We are also working hard to protect intellectual property rights so that creativity and innovation are protected."

The films will be shown at Centro Casa Asia-Madrid, Auditorio Tagore, Palacio de Miraflores, Carrera de San Jeronimo, 15, 3a planta and at Fimoteca Espanola, Cine Doré, Santa Isabel 3.

SEE ATTACHED PROGRAMME, AND PHOTOS OF THE OPENING RECEPTION AND STILLS FROM THE FILMS IN THE GALLERY.

Link to Casa Asia website